Climbing event allows disabled veterans to experience Yosemite

A group of 13 disabled U.S. military veterans climbed and hiked several iconic peaks in Yosemite National Park in commemoration of September 11th during an event hosted by Paradox Sports in conjunction with the National Park Service.

“We are honored to have Paradox Sports bring these American heroes to the park for this climbing event,” Don Neubacher, Yosemite superintendent, stated in a press release. “We could not think of a better venue for these veterans to commemorate such an impactful day in American history.”

Cody Elliott, a 24-year old veteran and above knee amputee, climbs at Ranger Rock during a climbing event at Yosemite hosted by Paradox Sports.

Source: Paradox Sports

The second annual event is one of five veteran-specific trips offered by Paradox Sports for veterans with amputated limbs, post-traumatic stress disorder, paraplegia and other disabilities. Its purpose was “to celebrate our national parks, land stewardship and overcoming adversity,” according to the Paradox Sports website.

In addition to the veterans hosted by Paradox Sports, veterans from Yosemite’s Special Emphasis program, which employs more than 100 veterans, also participated in the climb. DNC Parks and resorts provided a welcome dinner and a monetary donation to assist with travel expenses for the event.